Following his arrest on Saturday for allegedly abusing his wife, Taylan May will be placed on indefinite leave of absence under the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy.
After being detained in the wee hours of Saturday morning on suspicion of the incident, which occurred last month, May is scheduled to appear in court.
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed that a 22-year-old man was taken into custody at a Penrith property at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday in connection with a reported incident of domestic violence.
According to police sources who spoke with the Sydney Morning Herald, his wife recorded her alleged crimes and gave them to detectives over the weekend. He is said to have struck her in the face.
Right now The Daily Telegraph is reporting the NRL is expected to stand the premiership winner down indefinitely.
And, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, he could have his new $1.5 million contract torn up should he be found guilty.
The Panthers chose to stand May down ahead of Sunday’s 22-20 Magic Round defeat to the Warriors, with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary stating the alleged incident hadn’t impacted his side.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said.
“We just got on with life, we are here to play footy and that’s what we did.
“We just didn’t play well enough today.”
May’s playing future is said to be in jeopardy, although he is reportedly yet to be issued with a breach notice by the NRL.
The police statement read: “Police were told about 9pm on Monday 8 April 2024, the man allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument at a home in Werrington.
“It is alleged he punched her in the face and leg.
“The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV).
May was granted conditional bail and will appear before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday 28 May 2024, where his wife Jessica has lodged an Apprehended Violence Order application against him.
The Panthers also issued a statement on Saturday afternoon.
“Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,” the statement read.
“Panthers has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will co-operate throughout the process.
“As this is a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this stage.”
May signed a contract extension with the Panthers in March earlier this year, committing to the club until at least the end of the 2026 season as Penrith fended off rival interest to convince the centre to remain at the foot of the mountains.
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